Houghton Library Visiting Fellowships

Merit Based

Fellowship

United States of America

Provided by Harvard University

Open to scholars of all nationalities.
Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Eligible applicants include doctoral students, post-doctoral researchers, academics, independent scholars, curators, and professionals in libraries, archives, and museums.
Fellowships are typically not granted to scholars residing within commuting distance of the library.
Non-U.S. citizens awarded a fellowship are required to obtain a J-1 visa; Harvard University can sponsor the visa, but fellows are responsible for associated fees.
Individuals may apply annually; however, a period of five years must elapse before a previous fellow can be awarded another fellowship.
Applications from underrepresented groups in academia, including women, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, first-generation scholars, and persons with disabilities, are particularly encouraged.

Applications for the 2025–2026 fellowship cycle must be submitted.
Applicants should prepare a detailed proposal outlining their research project, its relevance to Houghton Library's collections, and the intended outcomes.
Applications are submitted through the online portal.
Documents Required:
- Research proposal detailing the project's objectives and significance.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- List of specific Houghton Library collections to be consulted.

A stipend of $4,500 for a four-week residency at Houghton Library.
Four weeks, to be scheduled between July and June of the fellowship year.
Extra Benefits:
- Access to Harvard University's libraries and resources.
- Opportunities to engage with Harvard's academic community and participate in scholarly events.
- Potential for additional funding through affiliated programs, such as the American Trust for the British Library Research Fellowship Program.

Fellows must be in residence at Houghton Library for the duration of the four-week fellowship.
Responsibilities:
- Finalize visit dates prior to arrival; note that reading room seating is limited, and preferred dates may not be guaranteed.
- Produce a written summary of the experience working with the collections.
- Arrange and fund their own travel and housing accommodations.
- Manage any tax obligations related to the stipend.
Contact Information:
- email at houghton_library@harvard.edu.

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Fields of Study

Humanities

Coverage

Full Tuition Waiver + Other Expenses

Deadline

Program Deadline Applies

TypeMerit Based

FundingFellowship

Country United States of America

Harvard University